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illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on the United Nations or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: At the COP28 summit, UN Secretary-General António Guterres acknowledged efforts by several major oil and gas companies to cut methane emissions but emphasized that it was not enough
• Guterres called for an end to the world's dependence on fossil fuels and stressed the need for cooperation and political will among global leaders to prevent a planetary crisis
🔭 The context: Although methane is more short-lived than carbon dioxide, it is responsible for a third of planetary warming we see today
• Without serious action, global anthropogenic methane emissions are projected to rise by up to 13% between now and 2030
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Guterres' call for action underscores the urgency of meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement and addressing climate justice
• His appeal for ending fossil fuel dependence and fulfilling promises for financial support to developing countries is crucial for maintaining the 1.5-degree limit and ensuring equitable climate action
⏭️ What's next: The focus at COP28 will likely be on concrete actions to reduce emissions and phase out fossil fuels, with an emphasis on fulfilling financial commitments to support adaptation and loss and damage in developing countries
💬 One quote: “The fossil fuel industry is finally starting to wake up, but the promises made clearly fall short of what is required,” (António Guterres, UN Secretary-General)
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